Ionia County libraries provide materials, services for community

Monday

Sep 16, 2013 at 5:05 PM

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month as deemed by the American Library Association (ALA). This month was designated by the ALA as a time to encourage library card use due to the beginning of a new school year.

Mattie Cookmattie.cook@sentinel-standard.com

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month as deemed by the American Library Association (ALA). This month was designated by the ALA as a time to encourage library card use due to the beginning of a new school year. This year, librarians across the county are managing facilities filled with print and electronic resources for adult and youth audiences.

In addition to materials, local libraries are gearing up for upcoming events and programming in the months to come.

With a library card, patrons are able to access e-resources, as well as print materials, and attend programs and events hosted by the libraries.

BELDING

At the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library, newcomers will find "an excellent collection of materials," according to Director Deborah Jones.

"We have excellent story times and programming for children and for adults. We also have computers available for public use," said Jones.

Adults who would like to get a library card to use materials from the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library must present a valid Michigan identification detailing current street address and identity.

Individuals under the age of 18 may apply for a library card but must have a legal guardian serve as a co-signer.

The fee for a lost or damaged card is $2.

The Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library is located at 302 E. Main St.

IONIA

At the Ionia Community Library, library cards are necessary in order to check out materials from the library and through the Lakeland Library Cooperative, as well as to access online resources.

Downloadable e-books, music, access to the Michigan Electronic Library, Rocket Languages and more are available to library card holders at the Ionia Community Library.

"We have a little bit of everything. Sometimes people don't know where to go to get information, so the library is a good starting point," Ionia Community Library Director Denise McKernan said.

In addition to online materials, the library has a variety of print and reference materials, as well as genealogical and local history information for information seekers.

"We have a great children's program and events for teens, too," said McKernan.

To get a library card at the Ionia Community Library, there is no fee. To replace a damaged or broken, there is a $2 fee.

The Ionia Community Library is located at 126 E. Main St.

PORTLAND

According to Jana Slisher, youth librarian at the Portland District Library, there are a variety of events and resources available to youth library card holders.

"Here, it's not just about going out and getting books; there's so much more to do once you get here," said Slisher.

At the Portland District Library, patrons may check-out a variety of materials on-hand, such as movies, magazines and newspapers, as well as online resources, such as materials for an e-Reader.

"We have lots of kids events and parties. Coming up, we have the Star Wars Reads event, which is a national event going into its second year. There is going to be a lot for kids to do," Slisher said.

According to Slisher, youth also may visit the library to receive homework help.

At the Lyons Township District Library, library cards allow patrons the opportunity to use library resources, as well as participate in programming.

The Portland District Library is located at 334 Kent St.

LYONS

According to Lyons Township District Library Director Allison Ferguson, the library will be getting new computers and new programs soon.

A children's story hour, a monthly crafting club that crochets and knits items for charity and more will be starting in the upcoming weeks.

In addition, the Lyons Township District Library is currently playing "Library Bingo."

"People can come in and if they check out different genres, they can check them off on their Bingo card and win assorted prizes. It's a way to expand reading horizons," Ferguson said.

Library cards are free, and there is a $1 replacement fee for a lost or damaged card.

The Lyons Township District Library is located at 240 E. Bridge St.

SARANAC

Sherri Rasmus, director of the Saranac Public Library, says that the library will be participating in National Teen Read Week during the third week of October.

Teen Read Week is a national literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association, which is a division of the American Library Association.

This week will kick off on Oct. 14, and during this time, individuals can waive fines up to $10, as well as upgrade their current library card, get a new card or replace a lost card.

In addition, the library now offers keychain library cards.

"Normally, there is a $2 fee to replace cards, but it will be free that week," said Rasmus.

In addition, Kari McCloud, library clerk for the Saranac Public Library, has variety of events and programs scheduled for patrons of all ages.

The library will be hosting adult programing at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

"Topics will be announced as scheduled, but in October, the topic will be 'Journey to Wellness' and will feature wellness coach Jane White," said McCloud.

There are also movie nights on the third Tuesday of each month, Lego Day on the first Saturday of each month, a knitting group that meets at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and storytime on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

On Oct. 14, there will be a "Computer 101" course offered through the Saranac Public Library.

"It's going to teach the basics of computers and internet surfing," McCloud said.

Joyce Benienuto, a local author who wrote a poem about the Grand River, will be presenting a poetry reading at 10 a.m. on Oct. 26. According to McCloud, teens who write poems during Teen Read Week will have an opportunity to present their poetry during this event, as well.

The Saranac Public Library is located at 61 Bridge St.

CLARKSVILLE

The Clarksville Area Library provides programming for adults and youth, as well as a variety of upcoming events.

Storytime is at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, the knitting group meets at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, the book club meets the first Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. and the adult program Cookies, Coffee and Conversation is the second Tuesday of each month.

According to McCloud, at the Cookies, Coffee and Conversation meetings, individuals share cookies, recipes, books, crafts and more.

The Clarksville Area Library also will be participating in Teen Read Week from Oct. 14 through 19. On Oct. 16, there will be a "pizza and pages" event for teens at 3:30 p.m. and for Halloween, both Clarksville and Saranac libraries will be hosting "Trick-or-Treat at the Library."

"For Halloween, we will be handing out candy and treats at the library," McCloud said.

The Clarksville Area Library is located at 130 S. Main St.

LAKE ODESSA

The Lake Odessa Community Library provides copy and fax services, as well as downloadable audio and e-books through Overdrive and music downloads from Freegal at three free downloads weekly.

With a library card, individuals can access the LakeNet Catalog. This catalog provides patrons with the opportunity to place holds, pay fines and renew items.

This library offers homeschool programs, preschool story time, toddler time, family movie nights, a weekly knitting class and an afterschool program for youth in kindergarten through fifth grade.